Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 March 1997

56 articles found

AICO tax breaks ineffective

AICO tax breaks ineffective JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Aburizal Bakrie, said yesterday tax breaks given under the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation (AICO) scheme were ineffective because only a few countries could get the benefits. "ASEAN governments are asking the private sector to have a bigger role in the region's economy but they are not providing effective guidelines for us to do this," Aburizal said at the end of the First ASEAN Business Summit.

Soeharto renews warning on election boycotters

Soeharto renews warning on election boycotters JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto acknowledged yesterday that voting was not mandatory but warned that people who incited others to boycott the election would be punished. Every citizen is free to vote or not to vote but no one may prevent others from exercising their right, Soeharto said during a visit to Sigli, Aceh.

Lee apologizes for comments on 'notorious Johor'

Lee apologizes for comments on 'notorious Johor' SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew apologized yesterday for remarks that brought a storm of protest from neighboring Malaysia.

Lockheed to make Telkom satellite

Lockheed to make Telkom satellite JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications firm PT Telkom has chosen U.S. company Lockheed Martin Corp. to build its 36-transponder satellite which will be launched by late 1998, an executive said yesterday. "Negotiations between Telkom's satellite team and Lockheed executives are still in progress. I cannot elaborate further," Telkom executive Harso said. According to Telkom, the contract is worth US$140 million.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Animated Classic 3:05 Teenagers' Program: Remaja Indonesia 3:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Comedy: Situasi 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:55 Filler 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Enterpreneurship Program: Kewirausahaan 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Science Film 6:15 Creative Program: Karya Nyata 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler 7:30 Live Report: Peluncuran Logo dan Maskot Sea Games XVII 9:00...

Eight arrested for stealing

Eight arrested for stealing JAKARTA (JP): The police arrested three market security guards and five other men Wednesday for stealing women's clothes worth Rp 32 million (US$13,333) from a department store in Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Lt. Col. M. Ibrahim said the police arrested the security guards, identified only as Ar, Dan and Has, in nearby houses after receiving a report from the shop owner, Mustofa, on Tuesday.

Malaysia, RI to buy more Chinese corn

Malaysia, RI to buy more Chinese corn SINGAPORE (Reuter): Malaysia is looking to buy up to 50,000 tons of Chinese corn while an Indonesian trade house may also be shopping around for another 50,000 tons of corn from either China or Argentina, traders said yesterday. "The Malaysians are trying to buy 50,000 tons of corn and the Indonesians are also looking around for the same amount," a senior dealer for a U.S. commodity trading firm told Reuters.

PDI defies internal rift in upcoming election

PDI defies internal rift in upcoming election By Dwi Atmanta JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) looks like a bull licking its wounds while preparing for its next, tougher, fight, namely the general election. With its internal rift lingering on, the minority party, with a bull's head as its symbol, claims the past is behind it as it gears up for the May 29 poll.

Bishop Belo to launch books

Bishop Belo to launch books JAKARTA (JP): Dili Bishop and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo will launch two books in East Timor's capital Dili next Tuesday, Antara reported yesterday. The news agency quoted Belo as saying that the books, Demi Keadilan dan Perdamaian (For Justice and Peace) and Suara Kaum Tak Bersuara (The Voice of the Silent), are published by Gramedia and will be sold at Gramedia and Santo Paulus bookstores.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Elmi Hotel: Jl. Panglima Sudirman No. 42-44: - Qemi Club: Karaoke/Disco, Sunday, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Master Band, Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Atlantic Band, Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Dankdut Group, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Heart Beat Band, Friday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * The Patra Surabaya Hilton International Jl.

JSX index plunges on heavy sales

JSX index plunges on heavy sales JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) plunged on heavy selling of bank stocks, with the Composite Index losing 12.62 points to close at 669.99. Large selling of Bank Negara Indonesia and Bank Internasional Indonesia dampened the market's mood. Turnover was 210.6 million shares worth 411.7 billion rupiah.

Hootie at Hard Rock Cafe

Hootie at Hard Rock Cafe JAKARTA (JP): The American music group Hootie and The Blowfish will show its skill to Jakarta fans at Hard Rock Cafe on March 19. The cafe spokesperson, Teges Prita Soraya said that Hootie deserved warm welcome due to its achievements, Antara reported Wednesday. Hootie was crowned for "Best New Artist In a Video" and "Best New Artist" at MTV Music Award 1995, and got the Best New Performance By Duo or Group with Vocal at last year Grammy Award.

Quake jolts Aceh

Quake jolts Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale jolted Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh yesterday, Antara news agency reported. It quoted meteorology officials as saying the earthquake, with its epicenter located in the Kutacane area, 300 kms from Banda Aceh, struck at 7.32 a.m. The officials said residents in the provincial capital Banda Aceh, 350 km northwest of the epicenter, felt the tremor, but added there were no reports of damage or casualties.

Indonesia wins Group A of Fed Cup

Indonesia wins Group A of Fed Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia continued its unbeaten run yesterday when it defeated first-seeded Chinese Taipei 2-1 in round-robin matches at the Federation Cup Asia Oceania Qualifying Group I in Wellington, New Zealand. Indonesia, winner in group A, will meet Group B's runner-up, Hong Kong, in today's semifinals.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Radisson Hotel, Jl. Pecenongan 72, Central Jakarta: - Lobby Lounge Bar; Vino on Bass and Yudi on Piano, Mona and Nongky (Singers), Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Ancol Travelodge, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, North Jakarta: - Jungles Restaurant; Pasar Malam, Keroncong and Kecapi Suling, Friday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Dixie Band, Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Trio Band, Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - No.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 13, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 370,000 Alumindo Perkasa 700 -75 25,000 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 274,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,250 -50 256,500 Anwar Sierad 1,925 0 280,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,900 -100 11,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,550 25...

Golkar planning to use teachers in poll campaign

Golkar planning to use teachers in poll campaign JAKARTA (JP): State school teachers may well see their already-heavy burdens mount prior to the May 29 general election as they will probably have to speak at rallies held by the dominant political grouping Golkar. Bogor mayor Eddy Garnida, in his capacity as chairman of the regency's Golkar branch advisory board, said he wanted local teachers to speak for Golkar during the April 27 through May 23 campaign.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Poolside - Pasar Senggol, daily, 6.30 p.m. Kecak Dance, Friday and Tuesday, Legong Dance, Saturday and Wednesday, 7 p.m. Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday, 7 p.m. Balinese dance parade - Rejang dance, Puspawresti Dance, Belibis Dance & Jaran Teji Dance, Monday, 7 p.m. * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Open Stage - Ramayana ballet, Monday, 7.30 p.m.

Dilapidated bridge

Dilapidated bridge From Berita Buana There are two bridges in front of the traditional market in Jatinegara. One of them spans the Matraman Raya Road in front of the Merdeka elementary and junior high schools. Some days ago, I saw a housewife step through a rustworn step when descending one of the bridges. The woman stepped through a wooden plank which covered the hole in the iron step. She needed help to get out of the snare.

Fire in Jakarta

Fire in Jakarta What is happening! Every day in Jakarta there are reports of horrible fires that claim the lives of innocent people, and destroy the homes and businesses of many citizens. This is so very sad because it is so preventable. The Fire Safety Educational Program developed by Fire Department (Dinas Kebakaran) is commendable but has limited funding, which therefore results in limited public awareness.

ASEAN business leaders want bigger role

ASEAN business leaders want bigger role JAKARTA (JP): ASEAN business leaders ended their two-day summit yesterday with a call for a bigger role in the regional economy. The chairman of the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Aburizal Bakrie, said ASEAN governments should establish policies that would enable businesses to play a bigger role. He said there were many things that had to be done to give ASEAN businesses a bigger role in the regional economy.

Child killer hunted

Child killer hunted PADANG, West Sumatra: Police are mounting a manhunt for the suspected killer of two small girls in Tanah Garam village, Lubuk Sikarah district in Solok, Antara reported yesterday. Solok Police Chief Lt. Col. Suhardi Sigit said a number of teams had traveled to towns such as Bukittinggi, Pekanbaru, Palembang and Medan to trace the suspect, identified only as 20- year-old Ks.

'Mars Attacks!' recalls long lost humor of Hollywood

'Mars Attacks!' recalls long lost humor of Hollywood By Bret Galloway JAKARTA (JP): The Martians in Tim Burton's latest movie Mars Attacks! may fail to conquer the earth with their flashy ray guns, but they do win us over with the lovable way they dispose, and make fools, of humans. Throughout the film, they display a puckish sense of humor which always shines brighter, even through their malevolence, than does the dull-witted, complacent plodding of the human race.

Singapore's STIC '96 profit seen up

Singapore's STIC '96 profit seen up SINGAPORE (Reuter): Diversified conglomerate Singapore Technologies Industrial Corp (STIC) is seen posting a healthy 20 percent rise in 1996 earnings as construction continues to fuel growth, analysts said yesterday. They said the group's industrial parks would remain key contributors to the bottom line, with its oldest park on the Indonesian island of Batam expected to be a star performer.

Runner Ruwiyati fit for SEA Games: Doctor

Runner Ruwiyati fit for SEA Games: Doctor JAKARTA (JP): Ruwiyati, banned from running marathons by the Indonesian Athletics Association, will be fit enough to run at the SEA Games, said Dr. Yuslam Samihardja of the Central Java branch of the Indonesian Sports Council. "It is illogical that the Indonesian Athletics Association does not allow Ruwiyati to compete in the SEA Games only because a medical test by Dr.

Ministers unhurt in chopper scare

Ministers unhurt in chopper scare JAKARTA (JP): Two cabinet ministers and other officials escaped unhurt yesterday when their helicopter made an emergency landing at an airport in Banda Aceh, Aceh. The Puma helicopter was carrying Minister of Health Sujudi and Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan, and was one of several carrying officials and ministers traveling with President Soeharto's entourage in the westernmost province. Antara reported no-one was hurt in the incident.

Amien admits to quitting over criticism

Amien admits to quitting over criticism JAKARTA (JP): Outspoken Moslem scholar Amien Rais admitted yesterday that his recent resignation from a leading post in the influential Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) was partly caused by his critical stance over many government policies.

Seminar on elections canceled

Seminar on elections canceled JAKARTA (JP): A one-day seminar planned for yesterday on the need for free and just elections was banned by the police because the organizing committee had failed to notify the authorities of the gathering. The cancellation was announced by organizing committee member Asmara Nababan shortly before the seminar was due to start at the Catholic Students Association headquarters.

5,000 athletes expected to join 19th SEA Games

5,000 athletes expected to join 19th SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Almost 5,000 athletes will compete in the 19th SEA Games here, more than doubling the 1995 Games' field. Organizing committee official M. Hindarto said yesterday that nine of the 10 participating countries had confirmed their teams for the biennial event. With only Brunei Darussalam yet to confirm, 4,810 athletes are expected to compete. The last Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, drew 2,166 athletes.

Foreign election observers welcomed

Foreign election observers welcomed JAKARTA (JP): An independent poll watchdog activist and a politician said yesterday they could not wait for the government to keep its promise to allow foreigners to monitor the May 29 election. They agreed that the promise highlighted the government's confidence that the election would be clean, honest and fair. Mulyana W.

'Ecstasy found in Zarina's safe'

'Ecstasy found in Zarina's safe' JAKARTA (JP): Three police testifying in the trial of Zarina, 25, charged with producing, possessing, and distributing Ecstasy pills, say they found Ecstasy and cash in a safe they confiscated from her house. They told the West Jakarta District Court yesterday they found 29,677 Ecstasy pills and Rp 100,000 in the safe.

Please, protect the tourists!

Please, protect the tourists! A few friends of mine from New Zealand and Malaysia came to visit me in Jakarta in January. Before they came, they were rather worried about their safety here. As I have been an expat living here for nearly one year, I reassured them that it was pretty safe and that Indonesia was improving itself. After much persuasion they decided to come. Unfortunately, all that I had promised them about the change and safety in Indonesia crashed in my face. On Jan.

Improve ASEAN cooperation

Improve ASEAN cooperation In order to meet the swelling tide of globalization, free trade and openness regarding economic policies, all of which lead to intensified competition, efforts are needed to improve cooperation among ASEAN's member countries. Even more, a synergy of efforts between government and business; among businesses within ASEAN; and among ASEAN businesses and those outside the organization should be established.

Number of Bogor council seats will remain 75

Number of Bogor council seats will remain 75 BOGOR (JP): The home affairs ministry will not increase the number of city council seats from 75 to 100 in spite of recent lobbying by city-chapter political forces. The head of the city's directorate of social and political affairs, Bagus Soeharyono, said Wednesday the decision dated back to Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.'s decree last year.

Absent cyclists join training camp

Absent cyclists join training camp JAKARTA (JP): Two cyclists who withdrew from the SEA Games training camp are back in training in Subang, West Java, for the Games in October. Brothers Hengky and Heriyanto Setiawan and Tubagus Maulana had sent a letter of resignation to the Indonesian Cycling Association saying they could not combine their busy training regime with their jobs. Hengky and Heriyanto changed their minds two months ago, deciding to rejoin the training camp in Subang.

Soeharto, Goh to open Karimun Besar estate

Soeharto, Goh to open Karimun Besar estate JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will open Sunday a 1,050-hectare marine and industrial complex on Karimun Besar island, Riau. The two leaders will also inaugurate a big shipping yard in the industrial complex. The Karimun Marine and Industrial Complex was developed by Salim Group subsidiary PT Karimun Indojaya Corporation and Singapore companies; Sembawang Corporation and Jurong Town Corporation.

Satelindo's $835m service investment

Satelindo's $835m service investment PARIS (JP): PT Satelindo, one of the country's seven mobile phone operators, has pledged to invest at least US$835 million to improve its services. The company's director of cellular operations, Saleh Gunawan, said here yesterday about $635 million would be spent on the expansion of its global system for mobile communications (GSM) networks in Java. The other $200 million would finance the expansion of GSM networks outside Java, he said.

Canada extends aid to RI

Canada extends aid to RI KENDARI, South Sulawesi: The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has pledged US$40 million in aid to improve math and physics instruction at a number of state universities.

American investors upbeat on RI

American investors upbeat on RI JAKARTA (JP): United States businesspeople have said recent ethnic and religious riots and uncertainty over political succession would not impact their business interests. "With respect to Indonesia, I'm very optimistic the troubles you talked about ... is not a problem," former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig said yesterday.

Sarwono shocked at Java's forest fires

Sarwono shocked at Java's forest fires JAKARTA (JP): Five thousand five hundred hectares of the 10,339 hectares of forest destroyed by fire over the past year were in Central and East Java, State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja revealed yesterday. "It's shocking that most of the forest fires in Indonesia last year happened on Java," Sarwono said in a review of the environmental damage caused by fires here yesterday.

Access to 3 in 1

Access to 3 in 1 From Panjimas Jakarta's infamous traffic jams cause headaches and problems for everyone. The government has endeavored to tackle or at least ease a number of traffic trouble spots. But have the measures been effective? For example, has the three-in-one regulation yielded results? Motorists can easily circumvent the regulation by paying for one or two extra passengers. Since many motorists resort to this practice, the traffic remains congested.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * Flying down from Davao was an exciting experience. The aircraft was an antique and the weather rather foggy. But I was looking forward to the adventure. With the opening of Manado as an international gateway into Indonesia, it has become possible to travel from the Philippines, where I was editing a video production, to Indonesia. Also, I'd never seen North Sulawesi and was looking forward to a place I'd heard was as pleasant and peaceful as it is beautiful.

Experience in Busang

Experience in Busang I would like to recount my experience in Busang, Kutai regency, East Kalimantan on March 8. I would also like to respond to the news that I and two Australian journalists and one Manuntung daily journalist were terrorized by employees of PT WAM. The culprits were actually employed by Bre-X. Our taxi from the Long Tesak wharf was stopped after some 15 kilometers by four security men and the personnel head of Bre-X. They asked us not to continue our journey.

Reporter's attackers sentenced

Reporter's attackers sentenced DILI (JP): The district court here sentenced four people to 10 months each yesterday for attacking a journalist last year. The defendants, Jose Antonio Soares, Jaime de Jesus Ribeiro Verdial, Americo Seroa and Jacob Fernandez, asked for time to decide whether they would appeal, as did public prosecutor Eko Purwanto. The sentence was lighter than the prosecutor had demanded.

Lonsum books profit

Lonsum books profit JAKARTA (JP): PT London Sumatra (Lonsum), a publicly listed plantation company, saw its pretax profit rise by 21 percent to Rp 102.82 billion (US$53.6 million) last year. The company, a producer of palm oil and rubber, said here yesterday that its net income rose 30 percent to Rp 80.62 billion last year. Its total revenue last year was Rp 208.66 billion, an increase of 11 percent from that of 1995.

Eight expatriates arrested for immigration violations

Eight expatriates arrested for immigration violations JAKARTA (JP): Immigration officers have arrested eight Pakistanis and three Srilankans for immigration violations. Zaiman Nurmatias, director of supervision and law enforcement at the Directorate General of Immigration, said yesterday the Pakistanis were arrested at a house on Jl. Berdikari, West Jakarta Tuesday. The Srilankans were arrested at a house in nearby Palmerah the same day Zaiman said. The eight Pakistanis are identified as Moh.

Citatah raises profit projection to $14.25m

Citatah raises profit projection to $14.25m JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed marble maker PT Citatah has upgraded its net profit projection for this year from Rp 32.3 billion to Rp 33.8 billion (US$14.25 million). The company's president, Taufik Johannes, said yesterday the upgrade was because of increased production capacity from its new plant in Karawang, West Java, which will start production this year.

Nine babies win prizes

Nine babies win prizes BOGOR (JP): The Bogor mayoralty gave nine babies born in Bogor on Feb. 4, Rp 500,000 each for being Indonesia's 200 millionth citizens. Eddy Gunardi handed over the savings as part of village resilience board month here yesterday. One of the babies is Vinni Saskia Ramdiyanti, daughter of Lili Kurniadi and Herni Septianingsih. Vinni got another Rp 500,000 from Governor R. Nuriana for being runner up in the recent West Java baby contest.

Councilor urges integrated water management

Councilor urges integrated water management JAKARTA (JP): A councilor said it was urgent Greater Jakarta integrated water management policies to preserve water catchment areas. Uniform aims and cooperation between the municipality and neighboring West Java areas was needed to prevent further environmental destruction, Lukman F. Mokoginta, a member of Commission D for development affairs said yesterday. "Water management should not recognize administrative boundaries," he said.

Government to build big tunnel to prevent floods

Government to build big tunnel to prevent floods BOGOR (JP): The government has come up with a flood control program they believe has the least likelihood of sparking social unrest caused by land appropriation. Plans are to build a 20-meter deep tunnel connecting the Ciliwung river in Jakarta and Cisadane river in Bogor, West Java, to prevent floods in the city, the head of the Ciliwung and Cisadane rivers improvement project under the Ministry of Public Works, Siswoko, said.

Susi's chances improve as Mia loses to Dai Yun

Susi's chances improve as Mia loses to Dai Yun BIRMINGHAM, England (Agencies): Susi Susanti's chances of winning back the women's singles title in her last All-England Championships before retirement improved considerably when her top-seeded Indonesian compatriot Mia Audina was beaten Wednesday.

Government investigation of Bintang still stalled

Government investigation of Bintang still stalled JAKARTA (JP): The government's investigation of rebel politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas remained stalled yesterday, although the Attorney General's Office appointed a new prosecutor to lead the questioning. Nur Amalia, one of Bintang's lawyers, said the investigation was cut short because interrogators could not answer a number of his client's questions or explain the charges or grounds for arrest.

China Rally could join World C'ship

China Rally could join World C'ship BEIJING (AFP): Chinese sports officials hope the China Rally will next year become part of the world championship. China Rally '97 from June 20 to June 23 will be the second leg of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in place of the Hong Kong- Beijing rally. The race will start at the Great Wall at Huairou, 65 kilometers north of the capital.

Clear guidelines and good returns key to more FDI

Clear guidelines and good returns key to more FDI JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has suggested ASEAN countries draw up clear investment guidelines and offer attractive returns to foreign investors to maintain high flows of foreign direct investment. The chief of the IFC mission to Indonesia and Malaysia, Antonio H. David, said yesterday ASEAN countries should also ensure a level playing field for foreign investors so the region remained attractive for investors.

Paribas buys Dynaplast

Paribas buys Dynaplast JAKARTA (JP): European investment and banking firm Paribas has bought about nine million Dynaplast shares or 7 percent of the company. The European company's manager in Indonesia, Patrick Egron, said yesterday Paribas had been present in Indonesia for 22 years through a representative office and Paribas-BBD Indonesia, a joint venture bank with Bank Bumi Daya. Paribas' total assets and equity last year were US$270 billion and $15 billion respectively.

PT. Bakrie plans to issue bonus shares

PT. Bakrie plans to issue bonus shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie and Brothers plans to issue bonus shares worth Rp 322.32 billion (US$136 million) as part of the company's plan to increase its paid-up capital. The group's president, Tanri Abeng, said the group would propose the bonus share issue at the company's general shareholder meeting in May.